Historic Seattle in the snow

By By CASEY MCNERTHNEY

on November 2, 2012 6:10 PM

Photo: seattlepi.com

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This picture, taken Jan. 20, 1943, ran on the front page of the following day's P-I. The original caption read: "Despite heavy drifts of snow, Oscar Pennington, Seattle postman, delivers his morning mail with the timely assistance of Joyce Baldwin, twelve, and her sled." A specific photographer was not credited. (Copyright MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection, PI28401. Click for reproductions.) less

This picture, taken Jan. 20, 1943, ran on the front page of the following day's P-I. The original caption read: "Despite heavy drifts of snow, Oscar Pennington, Seattle postman, delivers his morning mail with ... more

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This picture, taken Jan. 20, 1943, ran on the front page of the... Photo-3683055.51767 - seattlepi.com

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The snowstorm hit Seattle Jan. 19, 1943 and continued for days. The image on this front page of the postman sledding with a 12-year-old girl has been saved at the Museum of History and Industry.

The snowstorm hit Seattle Jan. 19, 1943 and continued for days. The image on this front page of the postman sledding with a 12-year-old girl has been saved at the Museum of History and Industry.

Stores and schools closed early on Jan. 19, 1943, when Seattle was hit with the worst snowstorm in two decades. These kids took advantage of the weather, and were captured by a P-I photographer. But until now, the image has not been published in the P-I. (Copyright MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection, PI28400. Click for reproductions.) less

Stores and schools closed early on Jan. 19, 1943, when Seattle was hit with the worst snowstorm in two decades. These kids took advantage of the weather, and were captured by a P-I photographer. But until now, ... more

The man in this snowy scene had his car parked near 20th Avenue and East Jefferson Street. The photo was taken Jan. 21, 1943. Reports called it the worst Seattle snow in two decades. (Copyright MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection, PI28399. Click for reproductions.) less

The man in this snowy scene had his car parked near 20th Avenue and East Jefferson Street. The photo was taken Jan. 21, 1943. Reports called it the worst Seattle snow in two decades. (Copyright MOHAI, Seattle ... more

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The man in this snowy scene had his car parked near 20th Avenue and... Photo-3689381.51767 - seattlepi.com

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This picture shows a Seattle neighborhood in the snowstorm of Jan. 19, 1943. But information about exactly where it was taken was not recorded, and the image was not previously published in the P-I. (Copyright MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection, PI28398. Click for reproductions.) less

This picture shows a Seattle neighborhood in the snowstorm of Jan. 19, 1943. But information about exactly where it was taken was not recorded, and the image was not previously published in the P-I. (Copyright ... more

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This picture shows a Seattle neighborhood in the snowstorm of Jan.... Photo-3689380.51767 - seattlepi.com

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This picture from the snowstorm of Jan. 19, 1943 shows Howard Swalwell and Larry Sullins making a snowman. The negative was preserved at MOHAI, but P-I staff did not record who photographed the scene or where exactly it was taken. (Copyright MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection, PI28396. Click for reproductions.) less

This picture from the snowstorm of Jan. 19, 1943 shows Howard Swalwell and Larry Sullins making a snowman. The negative was preserved at MOHAI, but P-I staff did not record who photographed the scene or where ... more

This picture from Jan. 19, 1943 shows Seattle Yacht Club moorage in the snowstorm of Jan. 19, 1943, which was the worst in two decades in Seattle. (Copyright MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection, PI28397. Click for reproductions.) less

This picture from Jan. 19, 1943 shows Seattle Yacht Club moorage in the snowstorm of Jan. 19, 1943, which was the worst in two decades in Seattle. (Copyright MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection, ... more

This photo from Jan. 11, 1937 shows kids going up the East Roanoke hill in Seattle. That month had one of the heaviest snowfalls of that decade in Seattle. (Copyright MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection, PI28383. Click for reproductions.) less

This photo from Jan. 11, 1937 shows kids going up the East Roanoke hill in Seattle. That month had one of the heaviest snowfalls of that decade in Seattle. (Copyright MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer ... more

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This photo from Jan. 11, 1937 shows kids going up the East Roanoke... Photo-3689409.51767 - seattlepi.com

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These were some of the photos that were published in the P-I on Jan. 21, 1943. The microfilm copy is the best that's available quickly. The UW Special Collections has bound editions of the hard copies and many of the images have been preserved by the Museum of History and Industry since a 1976 donation. less

These were some of the photos that were published in the P-I on Jan. 21, 1943. The microfilm copy is the best that's available quickly. The UW Special Collections has bound editions of the hard copies and many ... more

Photo: Seattlepi.com

These were some of the photos that were published in the P-I on... Photo-3693476.51767 - seattlepi.com

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This picture from Feb. 1, 1947 shows Kathy Gustafson clearing snow from her car after a storm. Seattle was halted by the snow that year, but it wasn’t quite as bad as the storm of four years prior. (Copyright MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection, PI28423. Click for reproductions.) less

This picture from Feb. 1, 1947 shows Kathy Gustafson clearing snow from her car after a storm. Seattle was halted by the snow that year, but it wasn’t quite as bad as the storm of four years prior. (Copyright ... more

Pike Street was a mess during the snow that shut down Seattle on Feb. 1, 1947. The Coliseum is on the right, and that’s now the downtown Banana Republic store. The Roosevelt Theatre, which has been demolished, is barely in the left of the frame. (Copyright MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection, PI28421. Click for reproductions.) less

Pike Street was a mess during the snow that shut down Seattle on Feb. 1, 1947. The Coliseum is on the right, and that’s now the downtown Banana Republic store. The Roosevelt Theatre, which has been ... more

Photo: -

Pike Street was a mess during the snow that shut down Seattle on... Photo-3689405.51767 - seattlepi.com

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The Jan. 1943 snowstorm was so strong it knocked over this utility pole at 30th Avenue South and Dearborn Street. It was published on the back page of the P-I’s front section on Jan. 21, 1943. (Copyright MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection, PI28404. Click for reproductions.) less

The Jan. 1943 snowstorm was so strong it knocked over this utility pole at 30th Avenue South and Dearborn Street. It was published on the back page of the P-I’s front section on Jan. 21, 1943. (Copyright ... more

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The Jan. 1943 snowstorm was so strong it knocked over this utility... Photo-3689404.51767 - seattlepi.com

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Taken Jan. 20, 1943, this picture shows kids near East Jefferson Street and 18th Avenue. The storm that hit that day was the worst Seattle had seen in two decades. It closed the main Boeing plant, the shipyards, and all Seattle schools. (Copyright MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection, PI28403. Click for reproductions.) less

Taken Jan. 20, 1943, this picture shows kids near East Jefferson Street and 18th Avenue. The storm that hit that day was the worst Seattle had seen in two decades. It closed the main Boeing plant, the ... more

Here’s another picture from the snowstorm of Jan. 19, 1943, which was the worst to hit Seattle in two decades. This previously unpublished picture was taken on Queen Anne Hill, though a photographer and exact location was not recorded by the P-I staff. (Copyright MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection, PI28402. Click for reproductions.) less

Here’s another picture from the snowstorm of Jan. 19, 1943, which was the worst to hit Seattle in two decades. This previously unpublished picture was taken on Queen Anne Hill, though a photographer and exact ... more

This picture shows part of Queen Anne Hill in the snow of Jan. 11, 1949. That was a blustery month in Seattle. (Copyright MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection, PI28429. Click for reproductions.)

This picture shows part of Queen Anne Hill in the snow of Jan. 11, 1949. That was a blustery month in Seattle. (Copyright MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection, PI28429. Click for reproductions.)

Photo: -

This picture shows part of Queen Anne Hill in the snow of Jan. 11,... Photo-3689538.51767 - seattlepi.com

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This picture shows Second Avenue during the Jan. 28, 1937 snow. The former JCPenney building is on the right. This picture was not previously published in the P-I, but preserved at the Museum of History and Industry. (Copyright MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection, PI28386. Click for reproductions.) less

This picture shows Second Avenue during the Jan. 28, 1937 snow. The former JCPenney building is on the right. This picture was not previously published in the P-I, but preserved at the Museum of History and ... more

Here’s another scene from the Jan. 19, 1943 snow that shutdown Seattle. It was the worst storm the city had seen in two decades. This picture was not previously published by the P-I and staff did not save notes of where exactly it was taken. (Copyright MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection, PI28395. Click for reproductions.) less

Here’s another scene from the Jan. 19, 1943 snow that shutdown Seattle. It was the worst storm the city had seen in two decades. This picture was not previously published by the P-I and staff did not save ... more

Here’s another scene from the Jan. 19, 1943 snow that shutdown Seattle. It was the worst storm the city had seen in two decades. This picture was not previously published by the P-I and staff did not save notes of where exactly it was taken from. (Copyright MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection, PI28394. Click for reproductions.) less

Here’s another scene from the Jan. 19, 1943 snow that shutdown Seattle. It was the worst storm the city had seen in two decades. This picture was not previously published by the P-I and staff did not save ... more

This is a car on a path in Seattle's Volunteer Park, Dec. 11, 1937. That day, some parts of Seattle had 7.5 inches of snow. (Copyright MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection, PI28392. Click for reproductions.) less

This is a car on a path in Seattle's Volunteer Park, Dec. 11, 1937. That day, some parts of Seattle had 7.5 inches of snow. (Copyright MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection, PI28392. Click for ... more

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This is a car on a path in Seattle's Volunteer Park, Dec. 11,... Photo-3689532.51767 - seattlepi.com

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This previously unpublished photo from Jan. 28, 1937 shows a Seattle street in the snow – but staff didn’t record exactly where it was taken. However, the negative has been preserved at the Museum of History and Industry among many other snow photos. (Copyright MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection, PI28388. Click for reproductions.) less

This previously unpublished photo from Jan. 28, 1937 shows a Seattle street in the snow – but staff didn’t record exactly where it was taken. However, the negative has been preserved at the Museum of ... more

This scene shows trolley buses having trouble in the snow on Third Avenue. The picture, taken Feb. 1, 1947, shows the Morrison Hotel in the background. The King County Courthouse is out of the frame to the right. (Copyright MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection, PI28420. Click for reproductions.) less

This scene shows trolley buses having trouble in the snow on Third Avenue. The picture, taken Feb. 1, 1947, shows the Morrison Hotel in the background. The King County Courthouse is out of the frame to the ... more

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This scene shows trolley buses having trouble in the snow on Third... Photo-3689525.51767 - seattlepi.com

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This was the advertisment in the Jan. 20, 1943 P-I telling transit riders to listen to the radio instead of calling the company. Before the internet, Seattleites relied on radio service and several editions of the morning and afternoon newspapers to get information. less

This was the advertisment in the Jan. 20, 1943 P-I telling transit riders to listen to the radio instead of calling the company. Before the internet, Seattleites relied on radio service and several editions of ... more

Photo: Seattlepi.com File

This was the advertisment in the Jan. 20, 1943 P-I telling transit... Photo-3693472.51767 - seattlepi.com

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Pedestrians cross Fourth Avenue at Pike street in the snow of Jan. 24, 1949. The Foreman and Clark building is now home to Ben Bridge. (Copyright MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection, PI28428. Click for reproductions.) less

Pedestrians cross Fourth Avenue at Pike street in the snow of Jan. 24, 1949. The Foreman and Clark building is now home to Ben Bridge. (Copyright MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection, PI28428. Click for ... more

This is how Seattle crews removed snow from the streets on Nov. 20, 1946. The exact location and photographer were not recorded by the P-I. (Copyright MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection, PI28411. Click for reproductions.) less

This is how Seattle crews removed snow from the streets on Nov. 20, 1946. The exact location and photographer were not recorded by the P-I. (Copyright MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection, PI28411. ... more

Photo: -

This is how Seattle crews removed snow from the streets on Nov. 20,... Photo-3689523.51767 - seattlepi.com

Ruth Rankin and Elizabeth Young made a snow sculpture on a street pole during the snow of Nov. 1946. Traffic was stopped on East Prospect Street - this picture was taken in the 900 block - and that brought kids with sleds. (Copyright MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection, PI28414. Click for reproductions.) less

Ruth Rankin and Elizabeth Young made a snow sculpture on a street pole during the snow of Nov. 1946. Traffic was stopped on East Prospect Street - this picture was taken in the 900 block - and that brought kids ... more

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Ruth Rankin and Elizabeth Young made a snow sculpture on a street... Photo-3689521.51767 - seattlepi.com

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These Capitol Hill kids were out to play on Nov. 19, 1946. They’re identified on the negative sleeve as Robert Sinnett, Devitt Ward, Louis Sinnett, Jeanette Dengal, and William H. Ward. (Copyright MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection, PI28415. Click for reproductions.) less

These Capitol Hill kids were out to play on Nov. 19, 1946. They’re identified on the negative sleeve as Robert Sinnett, Devitt Ward, Louis Sinnett, Jeanette Dengal, and William H. Ward. (Copyright MOHAI, ... more

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These Capitol Hill kids were out to play on Nov. 19, 1946.... Photo-3689520.51767 - seattlepi.com

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This picture was taken Nov. 19, 1946 in Volunteer Park. The women are identified on the negative sleeve as B.J. Hall and Mrs. John Breen. (Copyright MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection, PI28416. Click for reproductions.) less

This picture was taken Nov. 19, 1946 in Volunteer Park. The women are identified on the negative sleeve as B.J. Hall and Mrs. John Breen. (Copyright MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection, PI28416. Click ... more

Photo: -

This picture was taken Nov. 19, 1946 in Volunteer Park. The women... Photo-3689519.51767 - seattlepi.com

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The bus system was jammed in the Seattle snowstorm of Feb. 1, 1947. More than 100 people were waiting on Third Avenue when an unknown P-I photographer snapped this picture. (Copyright MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection, PI28419. Click for reproductions.) less

The bus system was jammed in the Seattle snowstorm of Feb. 1, 1947. More than 100 people were waiting on Third Avenue when an unknown P-I photographer snapped this picture. (Copyright MOHAI, Seattle ... more

Photo: -

The bus system was jammed in the Seattle snowstorm of Feb. 1, 1947.... Photo-3689526.51767 - seattlepi.com

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Here is more of the P-I coverage of the snowstorm that hit Seattle Jan. 19, 1943.

Here is more of the P-I coverage of the snowstorm that hit Seattle Jan. 19, 1943.

Photo: Seattlepi.com File

Here is more of the P-I coverage of the snowstorm that hit Seattle... Photo-3693473.51767 - seattlepi.com

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Here’s a scene from the Jan. 10, 1942 snow in Seattle. Until now, this photo has not been published in the P-I. It shows Blessed Sacrament Church in the distance, according to notes preserved with the negative at MOHAI. (Copyright MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection, PI28393. Click for reproductions.) less

Here’s a scene from the Jan. 10, 1942 snow in Seattle. Until now, this photo has not been published in the P-I. It shows Blessed Sacrament Church in the distance, according to notes preserved with the ... more

Photo: -

Here’s a scene from the Jan. 10, 1942 snow in Seattle. Until now,... Photo-3689530.51767 - seattlepi.com

In this scene, pedestrians cross Sixth Avenue at Pine Street in the snow of March 3, 1929. The sign on the right is for Grunbaum Furniture Company. (Copyright MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection, PI28377. Click for reproductions.) less

In this scene, pedestrians cross Sixth Avenue at Pine Street in the snow of March 3, 1929. The sign on the right is for Grunbaum Furniture Company. (Copyright MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection, ... more

This previously unpublished photo was taken in Jan. 1929 after 8.4 inches of snow fell during one day in Seattle. It’s not clear exactly where the picture was taken from. (Copyright MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection, PI28379. Click for reproductions.) less

This previously unpublished photo was taken in Jan. 1929 after 8.4 inches of snow fell during one day in Seattle. It’s not clear exactly where the picture was taken from. (Copyright MOHAI, Seattle ... more

Photo: -

This previously unpublished photo was taken in Jan. 1929 after 8.4... Photo-3689539.51767 - seattlepi.com

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This is part of the Jan. 20, 1943 P-I, which told of the worst snowstorm to hit Seattle in two decades. Many of these pictures have been preserved by a donation to the Museum of History and Industry.

This is part of the Jan. 20, 1943 P-I, which told of the worst snowstorm to hit Seattle in two decades. Many of these pictures have been preserved by a donation to the Museum of History and Industry.

Photo: Seattlepi.com File

This is part of the Jan. 20, 1943 P-I, which told of the worst... Photo-3693470.51767 - seattlepi.com

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Let's turn the close forward to December 2008. Remember when it snow and snowed again. The Washington Park Arboretum looked pretty, but not for driving.

Let's turn the close forward to December 2008. Remember when it snow and snowed again. The Washington Park Arboretum looked pretty, but not for driving.

Photo: Dan DeLong

Let's turn the close forward to December 2008. Remember when... Photo-5586917.51767 - seattlepi.com

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That 2008 snow created scenes like this on East Boston Street in the Eastlake neighborhood,

That 2008 snow created scenes like this on East Boston Street in the Eastlake neighborhood,

Photo: Joshua Trujillo, Seattlepi.com

That 2008 snow created scenes like this on East Boston Street in... Photo-771315.51767 - seattlepi.com

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And waiting for a bus, as these passengers are on 15th Avenue NortheastWould-be passengers wait for a Metro bus to arrive along 15th Ave. Northeast near Seattle's University District Wednesday.

And waiting for a bus, as these passengers are on 15th Avenue NortheastWould-be passengers wait for a Metro bus to arrive along 15th Ave. Northeast near Seattle's University District Wednesday.

Photo: Andy Rogers, Seattle Post-Intelligencer

And waiting for a bus, as these passengers are on 15th Avenue... Photo-922134.51767 - seattlepi.com

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Now don't get us wrong. The snow was something to behold in places like Queen Anne.

Now don't get us wrong. The snow was something to behold in places like Queen Anne.

Photo: Brad Vest, Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Now don't get us wrong. The snow was something to behold in... Photo-791173.51767 - seattlepi.com

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Once last image from the 2008 snowfall. Here a man uses cross country skis on a footbridge spanning Lake Washington Boulevard in Montlake.

Once last image from the 2008 snowfall. Here a man uses cross country skis on a footbridge spanning Lake Washington Boulevard in Montlake.

Photo: Dan DeLong, Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Once last image from the 2008 snowfall. Here a man uses cross... Photo-884339.51767 - seattlepi.com

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Heavy snow, coming down in large flakes, obscures visitors as they walk in the Washington Park Arboretum in Seattle in this December 2008 file photo. (Seattle Post-Intelligencer/Dan DeLong)

Heavy snow, coming down in large flakes, obscures visitors as they walk in the Washington Park Arboretum in Seattle in this December 2008 file photo. (Seattle Post-Intelligencer/Dan DeLong)